New details emerge in Omaree Varela case

The Children Youth and Families Department has released a two-page report detailing the outcome of their investigation into the death of 9-year-old Omaree Varela.

The report shows Omaree's mother, Synthia Varela-Casaus, originally told officers that Omaree's 2-year-old brother pushed him off a spring horse, hitting his head on the floor and knocking him unconscious. Varela-Casuas then claimed she placed Omaree in a bathtub with ice on his head and called law enforcement about 30 minutes later. Paramedics and officers noted that Omaree was "cold to the touch" when they arrived.

Varela-Casaus later admitted to law enforcement she had kicked Omaree into a dresser, causing him to hit his head on the floor. She later admitted that she kicked Omaree several more times in the bathroom, while he was unconscious.

The report concludes that allegations of abuse by Synthia Varela-Casaus and Omaree's stepfather Steve Casaus (listed in the report as Estevan Casaus) were substantiated.

Charges have been filed against both Synthia Varela-Casaus and Steve Casaus.

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